In this episode, Dr. Amber Deckard, a neuropsychologist and leader in neurocognitive assessments at Caron's neuropsychological services, shares insights into the brain-first approach to addiction treatment.

She explains how viewing addiction as a brain-based disorder rather than a moral failing changes the treatment paradigm. We delve into the latest brain science, revealing how substances physically alter brain areas responsible for reward, motivation, memory, decision-making, and self-control, challenging the misconception that addiction is a moral failing.

Dr. Deckard discusses the impacts of substances on brain function and the importance of a holistic, evidence-based, and multidisciplinary approach to recovery.

She highlights the role of various therapeutic modalities, including neurofeedback, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and personalized treatment planning, in supporting brain health and recovery.

The episode aims to shift perspectives on addiction, emphasizing the brain's capacity for healing and the crucial role of integrated care.

00:00 Introduction to the Brain First Approach

00:05 Meet Dr. Amber Deckard, PsyD

02:16 Understanding Addiction as a Brain-Based Disorder

05:04 The Role of Family in Recovery

07:38 Advanced Neurocognitive Assessment Tools

13:54 Personalized Treatment Plans

23:30 The Power of Neurofeedback

29:12 The Comprehensive, Multimodal Approach to Brain Health

33:25 Dr. Deckard's Personal Brain Care

35:41 Message of Hope and Conclusion

Resources

• Learn more about Caron’s Neurospychological Service’s and its cutting-edge Neurocognitive Assessment Program on their website.

• Connect with Dr. Amber Deckard on LinkedIn.

• Listen to learn more about Brain HQ’s brain training program in our previous podcast episode “What the Latest Brain Training Science Means for Your Brain Health: A Conversation with the Lead Developer of BrainHQ, Dr. Henry Mahncke, Ph.D.”

In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health! Podcast, we were joined by Professor Adrian Owen, a globally recognized neuroscientist, author, and Chief Scientific Officer of Creyos.

The conversation delves into Professor Owen's extensive career in cognitive neuroscience, his groundbreaking research on brain function and dementia, and the innovative digital tools his team has developed to make cognitive assessment more accessible to the public.

Key topics include the importance of brain health, the role of sleep in cognitive function, and practical strategies for monitoring and enhancing brain health using technology.

Listeners will gain valuable insights on how to take proactive steps to care for their brains and why it's crucial to measure cognitive health accurately and consistently.

The episode wraps up with actionable steps listeners can take to prioritize their brain health daily. Join this enlightening conversation to learn more about protecting and optimizing brain function at every stage of life.

00:00 Introduction to Let's Talk Brain Health! Podcast

00:41 Meet Professor Adrian Owen

03:11 Professor Owen's Journey into Neuroscience

06:37 Understanding Dementia and Cognitive Decline

12:24 The Importance of Brain Health and Cognitive Assessments

18:04 The Role of Technology in Brain Health

27:06 Future of Neuroscience and Brain Health

31:34 Actionable Steps for Better Brain Health

37:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources:

• Learn more about Creyos' digital cognitive assessments on their website.
• Explore Creyos’ blog for additional resources and information.
• Stay in touch with Creyos on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and YouTube.
• Questions? Email help@creyos.com for additional information.
• Read more about his book “Into the Gray Zone” and sign up for his next book’s release on August 4, 2026, “Think Before You Think: Understanding and Mastering Executive Function.”

In this episode, we explore the science of brain fitness and how targeted brain training exercises can strengthen key brain systems with Dr. Henry Mahncke, Ph.D.. Dr. Mahncke shares his journey from studying neuroscience at UCSF to leading brain plasticity-based training at BrainHQ.

Learn how BrainHQ’s specific brain training program can improve memory, attention, decision-making, and overall brain resilience across 300+ published research studies.

Discover the profound impact of brain plasticity, the significance of the groundbreaking INHANCE study, and practical tips on incorporating brain training into your daily life.

Dr. Mahncke emphasizes that brain training is not just a trend but a scientific approach to maintaining and boosting brain health.

Tune in to find out how you can intentionally train your brain at any age and better understand the notion of cognitive fitness.

00:00 Introduction to Brain Fitness

00:24 Meet Dr. Henry Mahncke, Ph.D.

01:46 Personal Motivation and Early Career

03:13 Graduate School and Discovering Brain Plasticity

05:40 The Concept of Brain Fitness

09:19 Brain HQ: The Science Behind Brain Training

11:02 Understanding Brain Fitness and Training

20:50 The Enhanced Study and Neuromodulatory Systems

24:46 Exciting Beginnings: Launching the Study

25:11 Study Design: Brain HQ vs. Ordinary Games

26:18 Training Regimen and Compliance

26:35 Breakthrough Results: Acetylcholine Levels

27:43 Beyond Brain HQ: Broader Brain Health

29:56 The Importance of Intensity in Brain Training

32:58 Holistic Approach to Brain Health

39:45 Practical Tips for Brain Training

42:45 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Resources

• Try BrainHQ’s brain training exercises for free on their website.

• Explore the science behind BrainHQ in over 300+ research studies.

• Learn more about the INHANCE study’s media coverage and results in the research article.

• Learn more about brain health in BrainHQ’s “Better Brain Health” blog.

• Connect with Henry on LinkedIn.

• Stay in touch with BrainHQ on Instagram and Facebook.

In this episode, we delve into the incredible benefits of reading for brain health with guests Leanne Stuver, a nurse educator and Director of Lifelong Learning, and Heather Elwell, CEO of Brain Health Mentors.

Learn how reading stimulates multiple brain areas, enhances social connections, and supports lifelong learning.

Discover the advantages of different reading formats, genres, and even how book clubs can enrich your cognitive and social wellbeing.

Join us as we discuss the science behind reading, offer practical tips, and share personal favorite book recommendations.

This episode is filled with insights and strategies to help you integrate reading into your brain health routine.

Tune in for a comprehensive discussion on how to make reading a key component of a happier, healthier life.

00:41 The Brain-Boosting Power of Reading

01:09 Meet Our Guests: Leanne Stuver and Heather Elwell

03:14 How Reading Impacts the Brain

07:30 The Benefits of Book Clubs

10:00 The Neuro Nook Book Club

22:04 Books vs. Audiobooks: What Science Says

26:05 Genres and Their Unique Brain Benefits

34:09 Rapid Fire Book Recommendations

41:03 Final Thoughts and Tips for Better Brain Health

Resources

• Learn more about the Neuro Nook (Book Club)
• Explore the Neuro Nook (Book Club) Reading List
• View Our Neuro Nook Rx Infographic
  

In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health Podcast, we delve into perimenopause, a significant yet often misunderstood life transition. Dr. Julie Sharrar, DC, a holistic healthcare practitioner specializing in chiropractic, acupuncture, and functional medicine, shares her expertise on how this phase impacts brain health, mood, memory, and overall well-being.

She provides insights into common symptoms, natural support strategies like diet, sleep, and exercise, and the benefits of holistic approaches such as acupuncture. Learn the importance of recognizing and addressing these changes with practical tips and resources to help navigate this journey with confidence.

00:00 Introduction to Perimenopause

00:44 Meet Dr. Julie: Expert in Women's Health

02:03 Understanding Perimenopause: Symptoms and Onset

07:23 Lifestyle Changes to Support Perimenopause

12:06 Functional Medicine and Acupuncture

16:45 Practical Advice and Misconceptions

20:09 Final Thoughts and Resources

Resources

• 
  
• Learn more about Dr. Julie Sharrar on her website.
• 
  
• Read more about navigating perimenopause naturally in Dr. Julie’s recent blog.
• Follow Dr. Julie on social media @consciouswellnessohio on Instagram and Facebook.

In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Jin Hyung Lee, Ph.D., a pioneering neuroscientist, Stanford professor, and founder of LVIS Corporation.

Dr. Lee introduces NeuroMatch, a groundbreaking technology that creates live digital twins of brain function to revolutionize brain healthcare.

She shares her personal journey from electrical engineering to neuroscience, inspired by her grandmother's stroke, and discusses the intersection of technology and brain health.

Discover how NeuroMatch can diagnose and treat conditions like epilepsy, autism, and Alzheimer's, potentially transforming the way we understand and manage brain health.

Learn about the importance of sleep, preventative care, and how AI could make brain health accessible to all.

Tune in to explore the future of neuroscience, AI, and personalized brain healthcare.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jen Lee and NeuroMatch

00:42 Dr. Lee's Personal Journey into Neuroscience

01:25 The Intersection of Electrical Engineering and Brain Health

02:49 Developing NeuroMatch: From Lab to Clinic

03:52 The Future of Brain Health Monitoring

05:05 How NeuroMatch Works

07:33 Collaborations and Inspirations

09:56 Patient Advocacy and Real-World Impact

12:25 Artificial Intelligence and Energy Efficiency

17:53 Future of Neuro Match in Healthcare

24:41 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts

Resources:

• Explore more about Dr. Lee and her work on her lab’s website
• Learn from Dr. Lee in one of her TedX talks from her website
• See the Invisible: Innovating How Neurological Diseases Are Examined with NeuroMatch and LVIS on their websites.

In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health! podcast, returning guest Dr. Jennifer Fraser, Ph.D. delves into the concept of gaslighting and its severe impact on brain health.

A renowned educator and author, Dr. Fraser explains how gaslighting can manipulate individuals, causing them to question reality and suffer significant emotional harm.

She references her latest book, 'The Gaslit Brain,' and provides practical insights on identifying gaslighting behaviors, advocating for legal changes, and fostering environments that combat this toxic behavior.

Dr. Fraser also shares actionable steps to protect oneself from gaslighting and stresses the importance of recognizing its manipulative nature.

Join us for an enlightening conversation designed to help you understand and counteract gaslighting's pervasive influence.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Reintroduction

01:12 Understanding Gaslighting

02:48 Personal Experience with Gaslighting

04:33 Gaslighting in Society and Media

07:22 Impact of Gaslighting on the Brain

09:25 Gaslighting in the Workplace

14:33 Protecting Children and Youth from Gaslighting

18:36 Gaslighting and Social Media

27:00 Spotting and Stopping Gaslighting

31:31 Future Work and Final Thoughts

Resources:

• Listen to our previous podcast conversation on “Understanding the Neuroscience of Bullying & Its Impact on the Brain: A Conversation with Dr. Jennifer Fraser, Ph.D.”

• https://drkrystalculler.substack.com/p/understanding-the-neuroscience-of-8e3

• Learn more about Jennifer and her work on her website or LinkedIn.

• Read more about gaslighting and bullying in recent media in Dr. Fraser’s Substack.

• Explore Dr. Fraser’s latest blog post on Psychology Today.

• • Follow Jennifer’s updates on social media @bulliedbrain on Instagram and Facebook.
  • Purchase “The Gaslit Brain” on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, and Bookshop.